Spring is finally here! With the fresh blooming flowers and the abundant sunshine breaking through the frigid Wisconsin air, the joys of spring are all around us.
With warmer weather, spring is the perfect season to catch up on home maintenance tasks. Completing maintenance tasks will increase your home’s value and help you sell your Milwaukee home fast.
Spring Maintenance Tips for Milwaukee Residences
Roof and gutters
Your roof takes quite a bit of the brunt of harsh winter weather. Everything from snow, sleet, and ice makes contact with your roof over the long winter season. Have your roof inspected or check for signs of loose shingles, standing water, or leaks.
Next, check the gutters, which could be damaged or loose from heavy snow and icefall. Ensure that the channels are correctly intact and sloping properly toward the downspouts. Also, clear out any extra debris from the gutters.
Foundation
Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks or signs of shifting. If there are large pools of water around the base of your home, your foundation may be going or settling.
This can cause severe and expensive foundation issues if left for an extended period. In addition, unresolved foundation issues can severely decrease your home’s value. Homes with foundation issues are usually slower to sell and bring in a lower sale price.
HVAC System
One system that should be assessed every year is your HVAC system. This system is responsible for heating and cooling your home, so it is constantly in use. Replace your filters and have the system serviced adequately by an expert.
Trim overgrown trees
While some shade over your house from sturdy trees will add beauty and shield you from excess heat, too much greenery will trap moisture and invite critters and insects to make a home on and under your roof.
Have large tree branches trimmed back if they are hanging over your house. Not only will you save your roof, but you will also add to your home’s value. Lawn and tree maintenance can add up to a 2% increase in your home’s value.
Check the plumbing
Pipes can break or crack during long, frigid winter months and could eventually lead to mold and mildew growth.
Check your plumbing every spring by inspecting the lines in the kitchen and bathroom. Listen for slow drips around the house and inspect the pipes in the basement for small leaks.
Check for pests
Over the winter, insects, rodents, and other pests often look for a warm place to live, and they settle on our homes. When spring comes around, check around your home’s foundation for burrowing holes that could be a sign of mice or moles.
Then look around inside for wood that sounds hollow when tapped, small pinpoint holes in drywall, excessively squeaky floorboards, or discolored or drooping drywall.
Any of these could be a sign of termites. Termites cause more than $5 billion in home damages every year. If you do see signs, contact a pest control expert immediately.
Now that the warm spring weather is upon us, it’s time to complete those home maintenance tasks! Remember, some studies need a professional’s help, so reach out to a local expert.
